THINK ON THESE THINGS for August 28th

THINK ON THESE THINGS
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Symbolism is a part of all our lives. We see certain things and they call to mind a state of life that enriches or drains us of all hope. How like the old Indian chief in the book WHEN THE NIGHTBIRD SINGS. He heard the bird’s clear song at the midnight hour and he rose up from his death bed totally well.

The bird sang of good life and the old Chief heard it. Listen for such a song in your own heart because it may be a miracle for you and you can rise like the phoenix out of ashes to become a new person.

Life has its mysteries, but often those mysteries are more true than the things people shout about. Spirit does not shout to us, but what a wonderful thing when we hear Him whisper. The very breath of life, the holiness of a moment of truth. Listen and hear it.

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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

Elder's Meditation of the Day – August 28

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – August 28

“With prayer and good intentions, we make our lives sacred and so come to balance.”

–Don Jose Matsua, HUICHOL SIERRA MADRE MEXICO

Only through prayer can we make spiritual changes that are permanent. You have told us that all life is sacred. Today I intend to serve you, my Creator. Allow me to overcome temptation, and if one comes along, let me see the lessons that will give balance. You have told us that all life is sacred. Let me see today with a sacred eye. Let me see beauty in all things.

My Creator, let me know what You would have me be today. Let my intentions be honest, respectful, humble and loving.

August 28 – Daily Feast

August 28 – Daily Feast

Everything that thrives is fed by the light. Lift up a rock, and the seed that sprouted beneath it is bent, stunted and colorless. But after a few hours of filtered light it begins to straighten, and will eventually throw off all the effects of being held down. We need, a li so qui lv di, a weight or a burden, lifted from our shoulders so we can grow and thrive in the light. We have to show willingness to stand on the rock and not beneath it. To see ourselves in better circumstances, to think clearly, is to be free. Little by little we see the possibility of health and order and great prosperity which includes everything we need. To see good and say good will eventually cause good, but our vision and our words must be steady.

~ You must speak straight so that your words may go as sunlight to our hearts.

~ COCHISE

“A Cherokee Feast of Days” by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Daily Motivator for August 28th – Little bits

Little bits

If all you can do right now is a little bit, do it. Those little bits will  quickly add up.

Value that is built over time, in small increments, tends to be value that  also lasts for a long time. Use each opportunity, each day, to build more.

Doing something, even if it is just a little bit, is infinitely more  productive than doing nothing. So do something, where you are, with what you  have, using the time that’s available to you.

By doing something now, you increase the value of what you’re able to do  later. By doing something useful with this moment, you preserve the moment’s  value long after the moment has passed.

By all means, do as much as you can. And if all you can do right now is just  a little bit, that’s a whole lot more than nothing.

Do a little bit now, a little bit later, and as much as you can each chance  you get. Soon you’ll have a whole lot of good things to show for your  efforts.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Daily OM for August 28th – An Invitation To Comfort

An Invitation to Comfort

Creating a Serene Home

by Madisyn Taylor

Include all 5 senses while making a home, doing so provides safe haven for your evolving body and soul.


Your home is your oasis. Through your efforts, your house or apartment can become both a private sanctuary and a welcoming, serene, and healthy place to live in and visit. An organized and comfortable home can have a calming effect on you, your family, and guests, as well as be your personal escape from the rest of the world.  Creating this nurturing space isn’t difficult. Even a household that includes young children or multiple animals can be a serene and peaceful place. In just a few minutes, you can make a number of changes that can turn your home into a safe and comfortable haven that you can be proud to share with your loved ones and friends.  


One way to fill your house or apartment with calming energy is to imbue it with a peaceful ambiance that nurtures all five senses. Soft lighting and soothing colors like blue, purple, and green can make a space feel warm and inviting, while pleasant and calming aromas such as lavender and vanilla can positively affect moods. Peaceful sounds, such as running water in a fountain or gentle chimes can uplift and clear the space, while clearing clutter and making the most of open space can ease internal turmoil and dispel negative feelings. The physical objects in your home as well as your home itself can retain the energy of previous owners or creators. You can give your household’s energy a lift by visualizing white light surrounding our home, symbolically sweeping out residual energy, or smudging your home with cleansing sage. 


The changes you make to your home can be as unique as you are and may involve utilization of space, lighting, new furniture, decorating, feng shui, or ritual. But what you do is not as important as being clear in your intention to set up your household as a soothing and refreshing place to be. Make your home a place of comfort, and you will feel nurtured and cared for whenever you are there.

The Tarot Path of Achievement

THE TAROT PATH OF ACHIEVEMENT
by Hermotimus

The Path of Achievement is charted by the Major Arcana of the Tarot Deck. Each
of us is aware that achievement is based on the accomplishment of goals. The
Major Arcana accurately charts the process of setting and completing goals
through 22 steps, each represented by a Major Arcana card. The understanding of this 22-step process is a very important tool for self-development.

The Path begins with The Fool. This card illustrates each one of us. We walk
along a path with our heads in the clouds, and fall into the abyss. The fall is
normal and almost a part of our nature. The shock of landing in the abyss is,
however, the separation between success and failure. The failures blame this
fall on others, or on circumstances or the Gods and Goddesses. When they pick
themselves up they walk upon whatever path is easily found. The successful
person stops at this point and asks “Why have I fallen?” This question leads to
the realization that one need not have fallen, and that to prevent a future
fall, one must make a change in what one is doing. This realization is the
beginning of the Path of Achievement. The realization that change is necessary
leads us to The Magician.

The card of The Magician illustrates that we have all the tools needed to make a
change in our path. The four tools upon the table are symbolic of the four tools
available to us. The sword symbolizes reason, and the cutting edge of logic that
is the conscious mind. The Wand represents the subconscious mind. The Cup is
symbolic of the superconsciousness, and the Pentacle represents our experience
and knowledge of the world around us. These four tools are all that are needed
on this path. The understanding that we have all we need to proceed along the
path, is the first step on the Path of Achievement.

The High Priestess represents the subconscious mind symbolized by the Wand on the Magician’s table. This is intuition, and the hidden wellspring of knowledge that we have gained from experience. Through this intuition we learn what change must be made to prevent another fall. The knowledge of what change is needed is inherent within us. We must allow what is there to come forth. Quiet meditation is the key to allowing the subconscious mind to tell us things we need to know. This change, suggested by our subconscious, now becomes our goal. This is the second step on the Path of Achievement.

The Empress represents our experience and knowledge, and is symbolized by the
Pentacle upon the Magician’s table. Here, we add up the experience learned in
our life about the world around us, and the nature of existence. This is the
basis that the other tools will use to chart our path toward the goal. Here we
must take time to reflect and remember. This is the third step upon the Path of
Achievement.

The Emperor represents the conscious mind, and is symbolized by the sword upon the Magician’s table. We know the goal. We have our experience to guide us. Now, through reason and logic, we must set forth the necessary course that we will traverse to achieve the goal. The conscious mind will take the goal and what we have learned, and develop the specific acts needed to achieve the goal. Each act must be clearly defined and stated before we can proceed. This is the fourth step of the Path of Achievement.

The Pope represents the superconsciousness symbolized by the cup upon the
Magician’s table. Here is the first test of the goal we have set for ourselves.
Our emotions guide us to understanding the superconsciousness. Does this goal
feel right? Is this what I need to do? Seek quietly within the mind and allow
your emotions to tell you the rightness of this goal. This is the fifth step on
the Path to Achievement.

The Lovers card is the point of decision of whether to proceed with the goal.
Here, we must take all our intuition, our knowledge and experience, our reasoned thought, and our emotions as the basis for this decision. If there is something wrong with our goal or the acts we will perform to achieve it, we will know it here. If there is something wrong, return to the High Priestess and start from that point again. The sixth step is your decision. When your decision is Yes,
the Chariot awaits you!

The Chariot begins the second phase of the Path of Achievement. It represents
the drive and self-discipline needed to carry out each specific act set down as
part of the first phase. Here we must set ourselves to the accomplishing the
specific acts needed to reach the goal. This is the key to achievement. The
self-mastery needed to complete what we set out to do is thus the seventh step
on the Path of Achievement.

Strength illustrates that while physical strength is needed, it alone is not
enough. We cannot open the jaws of the lion (nature) without his cooperation. We must work with and cooperate with the natural order in carrying out our specific acts. Many strong people fail because they do not realize that nature must be worked with, and not against. This is the eighth step on the Path of
Achievement.

The Hermit represents the constant need for vigilance as we carry out the
specific acts. It is easy to become distracted by the day to day events of life
and thus abandon our goal. Vigilance is the lonely sleepless watcher who warns
us when we are about to go astray. The ninth step is to be vigilant each day and
remember the importance of what we are accomplishing.

The Wheel of Fortune illustrates the working of fate in our daily lives. We all
experience the daily variations of existence, but allowing these variations to
rule your life is not the path to your goal. Accept that fate has a hand in all
things, and thus all things change. Accept also that we are not ruled by fate,
and our will to succeed can overcome the casual acts of fate. This is the tenth
step of the Path of Achievement.

Justice pictures the need to balance our daily affairs with the accomplishment
of our goal. The need for balance and harmony in the midst of the changes we are under-going must be realized. The single-minded pursuit of a goal leaves too
many routine tasks unfinished. Therefore, we must balance our daily needs with
the specific acts required to accomplish our goal. Proper rest and leisure, an
adequate diet, daily household chores must be part of the balance and harmony of accomplishing the goal. This is the eleventh step upon the Path  of Achievement.

The Hanged Man represents the need for sacrifice. The task of creating something new is always preceded by the destruction of something else. We must sacrifice old ideas and old patterns to achieve the goal. We must be willing to sacrifice, and we are at the point in reaching our goal where certain things must be given up. This realization is the twelfth step on the Path to Achievement.

Death illustrates that the sacrifices we are making from the previous step have
opened the door for new ways. Death is the transformation from old to new. Old
growth must be pruned to allow the new seeds a chance to grow. The destruction
of the old ideas naturally results in the growth of new ideas. This is the
thirteenth step on the Path to Achievement.

Temperance is the time of prudence to allow the new ideas to grow and develop.
Give yourself time to allow your conscious and subconscious minds the
opportunity to set these new ideas in place. Haste is not a sign of progress.
It is a sign of failure. Thus step fourteen is the growth of new ideas and the
putting of these ideas into their proper places.

The Devil illustrates that we are easily chained to our past. It is never easy
to break old patterns and habits. Here we must sift through the ideas which have
grown and chose those of benefit to keep. Not all the new ideas are good, and we
must separate good and bad before we can continue. The task of the Devil is the
separation of good and bad, and is the fifteenth step on the Path of
Achievement.

The Tower Struck by Lightning is a graphic description of our break with the
past. Here we destroy and leave behind all the old patterns and habits. This is
the stripping away of what is no longer needed. The Tower suggests that this
stripping away is not always a painless task. But it is a necessary task. Thus,
the sixteenth step is the final removal of the ideas and patterns that have
hindered us on the Path of Achievement.

The Star represents the calm following the storm. Here one must take stock of
what remains and place it in proper order and perspective. This is not the time
for action but a time for ordering the cycle of our existence. The water in this
picture shows that we are in the emotional storm that gives no outward look. The
stars in the sky each have a definite place and so do we. This is the
seventeenth step on the Path of Achievement.

The Moon illustrates climbing out of the emotional sea and into the heights of
reason. The dark night of the soul is that climb from emotion to reason. Here we
stabilize what has occurred within us. We are emotionally calm and the light of
reason is just a short distance ahead. This is the eighteenth step on the Path
of Achievement.

The Sun shows the new person we have become in the full light of reason and
enlightenment. We are again as children, looking through our garden at the
wonders and delights it holds. We have gained new meaning and new ideas, and
here we can explore all that we have achieved. This is the nineteenth step on
the Path of Achievement.

The Final Judgment. Here we must ask “Have I completed my goal?” This is the
final step. A final judgment of all that has been done along this path. It is
also the judgment of our higher power on what we have done and accomplished
along the way.

The World illustrates the victory of our achievement. We have successfully
negotiated the Path of Achievement, and reached a new summit to our life and
being. But remember, the Fool again waits ahead for us to stumble. We will not
fall so deeply into the abyss next time, and our rise will be to a higher
summit.

Brief Meanings of the 22 Trumps (Tarot)

BRIEF MEANINGS OF THE 22 TRUMPS

0.Fool.
Idea,thought,spirituality,that which endeavours to rise above the material.(That is if the subject which is enquire about be spiritual.)But if the divination be regarding a material event of ordinary life, this card is not good, and shows folly, stupidity, eccentricity,and even mania, unless with very good cards indeed.
It is too ideal and unstable to be generally good in material things.

1. Magician or Juggler.
Skill, wisdom, adaptation. Craft, cunning, etc., always depending on its dignity. Sometimes occult wisdom.

2. High Priestess.
Change, alteration, Increase and Decrease. Fluctuation whether for good or evil is again shown by cards connected with it.) Compare with Death and Moon.

3. Empress.
Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, also luxury and sometimes dissipation, but only if with very evil cards.

4. Emperor.
War, conquest, victory, strife, ambition.

5. Hierophant.
Divine wisdom. Manifestation. Explanation. Teaching. Differing from though resembling in some aspects The Magician, The Hermit, and The Lovers. Occult Wisdom.

6. The Lovers.
Inspiration (passive and in some cases mediumistic, thus differing from that of the Hierophant and Magician and Hermit.) Motive, power, and action, arising from Inspiration and Impulse.

7. The Chariot.
Triumph. Victory. Health. Success though sometimes not stable and enduring.

8. Fortitude or Strength.
(In former times and in other decks 8 Justice and 11 Fortitude were transposed.) Courage, Strength, Fortitude. Power not arrested as in the act of Judgement, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinancy, etc. Compare with 11 Justice.

9. The Hermit.
Wisdom sought for and obtained from above. Divine inspiration(but active as opposed to that of the Lovers.) In the mystical titles, this with the Hierophant and the Magician are the 3 Magi.

10. Wheel of Fortune.
Good fortune and happiness (within bounds), but sometimes also a species of intoxication with success, if the cards near it bear this out.

11. Justice.
Eternal Justice and Balance. Strength and Force, but arrested as in the act of Judgement. Compare with 8 – Fortitude. Also in combination with other cards, legal proceedings, a court of law, a trial at law, etc.

12. Hanged Man or Drowned Man.
Enforced Sacrifice. Punishment, Loss. Fatal and not voluntary. Suffering generally.

13. Death.
Time. Ages. Transformation. Change involuntary as opposed to The Moon. Sometimes Death and destruction, but rarely the latter, and the former only if it is borne out by the cards with it. Compare also with The High Priestess.

14. Temperance.
Combination of forces. Realisation. Action(material). effect either for good or evil.

15. Devil.
Materiality. Material Force. Material Temptation; sometimes obsession, especially if associated with the Lovers.

16. Tower.
Ambition, fighting, war, courage. Compare with Emperor. In certain combinations, destruction, danger, fall, ruin.

17. Star.
Hope, faith, unexpected help. But also sometimes dreaminess, decieved hope, etc.

18. Moon.
Dissatisfaction, voluntary change(as opposed to Death). Error, lying, falsity, deception. (The whole according to whether the card is well or ill-dignified, and on which it much depends.)

19. Sun.
Glory, Gain, Riches. Sometimes also arrogance. Display, Vanity, but only when with very evil cards.

20. Judgement.
Final decision. Judgement. Sentence. Determination of a matter without appeal on its plane.

21. Universe.
The matter itself. Synthesis. World. Kingdom. Usually denotes the actual subject of the question, and therefore depends entirely on the accompanying cards.

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK

“THE COMPLETE GOLDEN DAWN SYSTEM OF MAGIC”
BY ISRAEL REGARDIE

This document is a review of the book “The Complete Golden Dawn System of  Magic”.  For the sake of enlightening those who would not other wise know what type of material the book contains. This is simply a small part of the volume.

The Tarot

THE TAROT

The TAROT is made up of 78 cards. The MAJOR ARCANA, or trumps, comprises 21 of the cards. They bear allegorical images and titles. They symbolize “the big
picture”. They are in numerical order as a journey through life starting with
the fool and ending with the world. The rest of the deck is made up of the

MINOR ARCANA

They comprise four suits: the swords, wands (staves or batons), cups,
and pentacles (coins). They are made up basically like a regular card deck. Each
suit has four court cards: princess (traditionally page), prince (traditionally
knight), queen, and king. The numbered cards are ACE (1) through 10. The minor arcana focuses on ourselves as we exist from day to day. They deal with our personal lives, our ambitions, hopes, fears, and relations to each other. The
major arcana has implications of the individual and the minor focuses more on
the world at large. The major and minor arcana both work together to form a
whole, or a continuum. Below is a list of the traditional cards—both the major
and minor arcana.

Major Arcana

0 The fool, I The magician, II The priestess, III The Empress, IV The Emperor, V
The hierophant, VI The lovers, VII The chariot, VIII Justice, IX The Hermit, X
Wheel of Fortune, XI Strength, XII The Hanged Man, XIII Death, XIV Temperance,
XV The Devil, XVI The Tower, XVII The Star, XVIII The Moon, XIX The Sun, XX
Judgement, XXI The World.

Minor Arcana

Suit of wands:

Ace of wands, two of wands, three of wands, four of wands, five of wands, six of
wands, seven of wands, eight of wands, nine of wands, ten of wands, princess,
prince, queen, king.

Suit of cups:

Ace of cups, two of cups, three of cups, four of cups, five of cups, six of cups, seven of cups, eight of cups, nine of cups, ten of cups, princess, prince, queen, king.

Suit of Swords:

Ace of swords, two of swords, three of swords, four of swords, five of swords,
six of swords, seven of swords, eight of swords, nine of swords, ten of swords,
princess, prince, queen, king.

Suit of Pentacles (coins):

Ace of pentacles, two of pentacles, three of pentacles, four of pentacles, five
of pentacles, six of pentacles, seven of pentacles, eight of pentacles, nine of
pentacles, ten of pentacles, princess, prince, queen, king.

SPREADS

The way to do readings is through spreads. Spreads can be very easy, with one
card, or can be very hard and complicated. I will go over some of the basic,
easier spreads you can use. To prepare for the reading, make sure you are in a
calm, relaxed state. Do not do a reading if you are depressed or hysterical.
Pick a calm, quiet spot where you will not be disturbed. You may shuffle the
cards anyway you want, and after a while, may find that you pick up a certain
style in doing so. On all the spreads below, start by taking the first card off
the deck and place it face up in order that you see the spreads laid out. In
other words, do not take the first card and place it in the fourth card spot. To
read the cards, either do it one at a time as the cards are turned over, or wait
till all cards have been laid out and read the cards like a story.

The Time spread:

This spread is good for beginners because it only involves four cards. Before
you start this spread, have a clear question in mind. It does not have to be a
yes or no question, but it should be specific.

Card 1: The Past

This card will tell what has happened to lead up to the question being asked. It
can refer to events in your childhood but will more likely refer to things directly related to the question.

Card 2: The Present

This card tells how your situation stands at the moment. It might refer to some
feelings or something you have that you did not want to admit or show something that might have caused your particular question.

Card 3: The Future

This card will show how it expects things to work out in the near future.

Card 4: Action

This card will show what you may do to either encourage the outcome or change
it.

Things To Do Today – Make Your Own Scrying Mirror

Scrying Mirror

Items Needed:

Photo frame with a removable back and removable glass at least 8×10 inches

High gloss, black paint (non aerosol)

Paint thinner (if recommended for clean up on the paint can directions)

Paint brush

Newspaper

Remove the glass from the frame and place it on the newspaper. Using long, smooth strokes, paint one side of the glass. It is imperative that there are no unpainted areas (no matter how small). Wait until the paint is dry, and replace it with the glass-side facing out.

How to use your scrying mirror

Scrying mirrors are used to induce visions, and answer questions. Before starting, make sure the room your in is as dark as possible. Some people like to place a small votive candle behind the mirror in a pitch black room. If you have a specific intention, chant it in your mind, or whisper it out loud over and over until you’re mind is completely focused on nothing else.

The way to use the mirror is to not look at, but through the surface of it. Gaze into its blackness. Images, colors will soon begin to appear. If this method doesn’t feel right for you, I suggest skipping the candle and using a dark cloth to make a kind of tent covering yourself and the mirror.

Some people may experience difficulty getting results at first. It can take some people weeks to get results from scrying, so you may have to practice this a number of times. Be patient with yourself, make sure you are grounded and completely focused. Also, don’t just hope for visions to appear, expect them. Enjoy your journeys in this fascinating form of divination.

 

The Witches’ Library

5 Incredible Things Dogs Sense About You

5 Incredible Things Dogs Sense About You

For centuries, people have been turning to their beloved pooches for  affection and companionship. And for good reason — dogs are incredibly  perceptive and intelligent creatures. They may not understand the nuances of  everyday life, of course, but dogs have an incredible ability to understand how  their pet parents are feeling emotionally, and even physically.  Indeed, they don’t call ‘em man’s best friend for nothing!

Click through to check out some of the amazing things that your canine friend  can tell about you.

1. They Know if You’re Scared.

Heard something go bump in the night? Dogs can pick up on your fear, and will  usually mimic your behavior. If you’d like to alleviate your dog’s fear, you  need to alleviate your own first! One exception, though, would be the  several breeds that have been, well, bred, to be guard dogs.

2. They Notice Inequality.

Dogs can tell if you’re playing favorites. Let’s say you have two dogs who  both earned a treat for good behavior. If you give a treat to only one, the  other will likely pick up on that, and believe she’s done something wrong. They  can even stop cooperating all together. Perhaps there’s something us humans can  learn from this!

3. They Know Whether or Not You’re Paying  Attention.

Any pet parent with a sneaky pooch knows this one is totally true! The  science backs it up, too: studies have shown that dogs are perfectly aware  whether or not there are any people around, and will behave accordingly. Even  the most well-behaved dog on the block can’t risk temptations when no humans are  around to scold them.

4.  They Can Tell if You’re  Sick.

Dogs have long been prized — and put to work  — for their keen sense of smell. Their noses are thousands of times stronger  than the average human! Just as dogs are trained to sniff for drugs or  explosives, dogs have also been successfully trained to pick up on the extremely  subtle scents our bodies give off when we have cancer. Other dogs have been  trained to alert their pet parents when they’re about to have a seizure minutes  or even hours before an attack will happen– though it’s not entirely clear if  this skill is related to dog’s sense of smell.

5. They Know If You’re Sad.

Does your dog somehow know just what to do when you’re not feeling so happy?  You’re not imagining it — studies have shown that dogs can pick up on your  sadness and are more likely to approach you. One such study placed two people,  one crying and one quiet, in a room. Almost all of the dogs approached the  crying person, and most of those did so with submissive body language — even if  the crying person was a stranger to them. Researchers, though, aren’t entirely  clear on whether this means that dogs fully understand empathy.

What Does My Dog’s Breed Say About Me?

What Does My Dog’s Breed Say About Me?

In my book It’s a Dog’s Life … but It’s Your  Carpet,  I admit, I make some pretty huge generalizations about breeds  and pet  owners. Granted, they’re my own opinions, but if you really wanted to   know what your veterinarian thinks of you when you walk in the door with  your  breed of dog, read on!

Labrador Retriever

Dedicated, outdoorsy, loyal, and generally a good person to be around. Shops  at REI. Drives a Subaru

Chihuahua

May bite. The dog too.

Greyhound

Kind, mild mannered. Has neurotic tendencies. Gentle. Laid back. Drinks  bottled water. Often looks like the dog.

Miniature Poodle

Usually owned by a sweet, old, white-haired person.

Terrier

Potential to be a loyal, family-oriented person. Can be snarky and have an  east-coast attitude.

Golden Retriever

Family oriented and generally a good person to be around. Has two or three  human babies.

Miniature Schnauzer

Family oriented. Owned by older adults. Shops at LL Bean and Lands’ End.  Drives a Volvo.

Yorkshire Terrier

Likes to carry a YSL or Gucci purse, often with their pet in it. Enjoys the  high life. Drinks wine, not beer.

Rottweiler

Bad ass. Loyal. Protective. Doesn’t want to be screwed with.

Maltese

Either wants to have a child or have grandchildren. Loves to nurture   and  carry loved ones in arms. Very well dressed. Likes pink bows.

Beagle

Family oriented. High tolerance level for baying.

Bernese Mountain

Financially secure. Educated. Shops at REI, Best Buy, and Nordstroms.

****

What? Don’t believe me? What do you think? Does your breed represent you?

And yes, I purposely skipped stereotyping us American pit bull terrier  dog  owners. But as a veterinary student once said to me: “Dr. Lee … you  look just  like your dog.”

Moon in Gemini (Aug 27, 2013 to Aug 30, 2013)

Moon in Gemini

Aug 27, 2013 to Aug 30, 2013

Feeling restless? The Moon says, “You’re a butterfly. A kite on a windy day. Soar, spin, let your thoughts roam. Start a couple new books. Visit friends. Enjoy the incredible lightness of being.” And just try to stop yourself from gossiping! That’s Hermes at work, the god behind this Gemini Moon: stirring up curiosity and light-hearted tricks, delighting in stories and finding the world of people endlessly fascinating. Hermes is the messenger, if you ask a question, be alert for the answer. Listen, and it will come. Given Gemini’s caprice, don’t be surprised if the weather suddenly shifts. Take advantage of the mutable atmosphere. Change your mind about something. See several sides of an issue you’ve been stuck on. If your shoulders are tense, consider dropping a few responsibilities. Then make a peace offering to your lungs and jittery nerves. Take slow, deep breaths while falling asleep. Imagine bad habits falling away.

Feng Shui News for Aug. 28th – 'Crackers Over The Keyboard Day'

On ‘Crackers Over The Keyboard Day’ let’s take a look at how best to clean something you probably use every single day. Research has shown that your computer’s keyboard can carry more bacteria than a toilet seat! First, shut down your computer and unplug it, if you can. Turn the keyboard upside down and shake it in order to remove any debris. Next, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and brush in between each of the keys. You can also dip a cloth in alcohol and run it over the tops of the keys. Once done, plug the device back in and, of course, quit eating crackers around your keyboard! That should help to keep your computer keys as good as new.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Animal Spirit for August 28th is The Beaver

Beaver

Beaver may be one of the hardest working animals on the planet. Beaver is attuned to both earth and water medicine, and is strongly attached to home and family. Beaver appears in your reading to remind you that sometimes there’s no substitute for hard work. Make a plan, create a solid foundation, then take  the next indicated step.

Your Tarot Card for August 28th is The World

The World

Wednesday, Aug 28th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the World card points to the presiding intelligence, called “Sophia,” or Wisdom, which upholds life on this and all worlds. A more precise title for this card might be “the Soul of the World,” also applicable as a symbol of personal empowerment and freedom. In most Tarot decks it is a female figure that has become our standard World image. She originates in Hebrew, Gnostic and Alchemical lore, and stands between heaven and earth as the Cosmic Mother of Souls, the Wife of God and our protector from the karmic forces we have set loose upon the Earth in our immaturity and ignorance.

Where the Empress energy secures and fertilizes our terrestrial lives, the goddess of The World invites us into cosmic citizenship — once we come to realize our soul’s potential for it. Just as the Chariot stands for success in achieving a separate Self, and Temperance represents achievement of mental and moral health, the World card announces the awakening of the soul’s Immortal Being, accomplished without the necessity of dying.

This card, like the Sun, is reputed to have no negative meaning no matter where or how it appears. If the Hermetic axiom is “Know Thyself”, this image represents what becomes known when the true nature of Self is followed to creative freedom and its ultimate realization.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, Aug. 28th

We long for the connected feeling that communication brings today. However, the flighty Gemini Moon distracts us from thinking about the impact that our words have. Nevertheless, messenger Mercury trines powerful Pluto, reminding us that a serious conversation about an important subject can transform the dynamics of a relationship. We may not know where a discussion will take us, but we can’t help but be deeply affected by the unfolding drama.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You want to say what’s on your mind but you need to pick your topics of discussion carefully now because your words might stir up more controversy than you wish. You won’t be satisfied following the party line today, yet you still appear to have ideas that are intelligent and sensible. Be clear and stick to the point; others will listen to you even if they don’t agree with your opinion. Keeping communication channels open cultivates positive growth.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Although you may be accused of avoiding the tough questions sometimes, no such possibility exists today. You’re the one who is pushing for more meaning now and you want others to follow your lead. But even if they can see what brings you closer to your truth, it could lure them further away from theirs. Don’t expect people to endorse your thinking by joining your cause; just make certain that it’s valid for you before you act on your beliefs. Seek the answers from within.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You don’t want to make a decision today and yet you know what your preference would be if you were forced to share it with others. Don’t let anyone coerce you into talking before you are fully ready or you might end up resenting whoever tries to control you. How much to reveal and when to reveal it is solely your choice alone. A kind word and a smile are enough to keep the peace for now.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You might not feel as lighthearted as you appear today, but others won’t realize it unless they overstep their bounds and try to get you to say something you don’t actually believe. Fortunately, your endorsement is not up for grabs to the highest bidder. In fact, you might not be driven to engage with someone else’s drama right now; you just want to continue doing the best job you can without making any further promises about the future.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

An apparently casual conversation may lead you into the shadows today, where you can see previously hidden areas of your consciousness. As new ideas continue to rise into awareness, you want to do something about them — yet it still might be wiser to simply observe while waiting to act on your plans at a later time. Keep in mind that your decision to remain silent adds to your current air of mystery, which is not a bad thing at all. Exploring your dreams now is more productive on your own.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Although you sound quite passionate about many subjects today, you might not be all that interested in sharing your feelings. It’s not that you are detached from what you are saying; it’s just that this is more of an intellectual exercise now than something of integral importance to you. But you still could get caught up in wanting to be right since Mercury is occupying your logical sign. Backing down from an indefensible position now is a true sign of wisdom.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You have a sharper-than-normal edge to your tongue today as clever Mercury forms a smooth connection with incisive Pluto. Your words can cut to the bone and your message could inadvertently do damage before you even realize what has happened. It’s one thing to take a swipe at an opponent intentionally; however, it doesn’t feel good if you accidentally hurt a friend. Thankfully, taking a compassionate approach right from the start enables you to spread love and light rather than fear.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You long for some quality downtime today because you’ve been running at a sustained level of heightened intensity for a while now. Although the pace has begun to wear on your nerves, you are able to rejuvenate your energy by keeping your emotions private. There’s no need to tell all your secrets, even if you are feeling more open than usual. Don’t give away too much of your time; you gain more power now by taking care of yourself. Clear your schedule to recharge your batteries and regenerate your vitality.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It’s time to undertake a project at work that requires a serious amount of mental fortitude now since you have the skills to concentrate until the job is done. Luckily, your ability to muster support from friends makes everything run smoother. Although the potential to have fun is always looming near the horizon, don’t be distracted until you accomplish something tangible. Dig in your heels today and complete the business at hand.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You feel as if you have been on an emotional roller coaster and it may finally be time to end the ride today. But you must be creative in your approach when you stand up to those who have made your life more complicated. Don’t blame anyone else for your extreme emotions now; if you do, you’ll just go around again and again in the same conversation. Instead, accept responsibility for your part in the recent drama and be ready to move on once and for all.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may be surprised by the intensity of your own feelings now that relentless Pluto trines Mercury in your 8th House of Intimacy. You assume that you understand the current situation only to discover that everything is not as you perceived. Fortunately, you can think on your feet and are quite capable of quickly regaining your balance. But don’t dwell on the past; once things are stable again, let go of any residual negativity you might be holding onto for no reason. Creativity abounds when you stay in the present moment.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

There’s a part of you that won’t be satisfied until you’ve turned your support network inside out today. Rather than looking for comfort from your friends, you’re more interested in having them infuse more meaning into your life. But they might not be proactive enough for you now until you do something radical that catches them off balance. Fortunately, once you shine your light, others will be more likely to follow.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Wednesday, August 28th

Virgo has many crisis elements imbedded in its nature because it is stage 6 of a 12-step zodiacal process. Therefore, as this sign eventually morphs into Libra — the halfway point of the zodiacal circle — there is a need to eliminate personal non-essentials across the board as a kind of internal purification before beginning the more collective, universal process symbolized by the last six signs of the zodiac.  Right now the Last Quarter Sun-Moon Phase (energizing 6 degrees of Virgo and Gemini at 2:36AM) arrives with a possible intention to stir up worries and turmoil in your mind — especially concerning dietary and health matters. Nevertheless, the key at any quarter moon cycle is to be strong-willed enough to cut through whatever apparent obstacles appear to be blocking your path ahead. And at the Last Quarter Sun-Moon square of 90-degrees, there can actually be a higher mental and even spiritual adjustment that needs to take place.  Adding to today’s possible crisis environment is the arrival of the largest asteroid — Ceres — in Virgo (3:21AM) for the first time since its last transit here from early November 2008 to early August 2009. Many professional astrology researchers believe that Ceres — the ancient goddess of corn and cereals — shares, with Mercury, a co-rulership of the sign of Virgo. Through enormous amounts of research, this appears to be true and in a very deep, soulful manner.  While Ceres entering Virgo this morning — a cycle lasting until November 3 — can be enormously supportive for mother-daughter relationships, food and nutritional matters, and for increasing production in your main fields of expertise, it can also be a catalyst for the difficulties in these same areas of life.  Reading and research are also top priorities since Mercury trines Pluto (7:53AM) while Mercury also forms an illuminating parallel with the Sun (4:57PM).  The several hours prior to a Moon-Venus trine in air signs (9:46PM) constitute a great boost for love bonds, the creative arts, and social activities. However, this Moon-Venus contact also starts a very long void lunar uncertainty cycle that lasts for 30+ hours until 4:34AM on Friday, August 30. (Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.)

Calendar of the Moon for August 28th

Calendar of the Moon

Coll Invocation

Colors: Blue and Brown
Element: Water and Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of blue place a goblet of spring water, the figure of a leaping salmon, and three blue candles; next to them on cloth of brown place a musical instrument, a pen, and fresh flowers.
Offerings: Poetry, songs, art, writing.
Daily Meal: Either fish (for the Salmon), poultry (for the Duck) or salads.

Coll Invocation:

Call: Hail the month of the Hazel Tree!
Response: Hail the month of the nuts that nourish us.
Call: First tree of the harvest, you give forth wisdom.
Response: Last tree of the summer, you chant our memories.
Call: The fading warmth follows you,
Response: And we feast on the fruits of your knowledge.
Call: This is the month of words and song.
Response: This is the month of the search for the mysteries.
Call: This is the month of the sacred pool,
Response: Wherein swims the Salmon of Knowledge.
Call: We fish for the gleams of divine light on the surface,
Response: We dive for the truths that lie deep in the Well.
Call: Our intuition is the hazel-twig held before us.
Response: We shall search out the underground streams.
Call: We shall find the hidden treasures.
Response: We shall spread them forth in words of power.
Call: We shall bring them forth with our hands in works of art,
Response: We shall gift the Gods and the people with our songs.
Call: Our voices will find their way across the land.
Response: Hear us, O Gods, as we sing your praises!
Call: This is the month of the bard’s silver tongue,
Response: This is the month of the golden door of autumn.
Call: As the Hazel Tree stands with words of peace,
Response: So shall we stand between the warring parties.
Call: So shall our Rule spread Justice and Peace,
Response: So shall our words spread beauty and harmony.

(As this is the month of the Bard, one or more shall stand forth and sing before the others, or read what words they would, to bring gladness and knowledge to the hearts of those who listen.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]